After conquering stages across Australia and beyond, Spacey Jane are entering a new chapter, more mature, reflective, and emotionally charged. They’re back with a brand-new album, If That Makes Sense.
I sat down with Caleb Harper, the band’s singer and guitarist, to talk about the process behind the record, songwriting, and a bit of life too.
France has a strong tradition of poetic songwriting — do you feel a connection with that kind of lyrical sensibility?
Yeah, absolutely. For me, the lyrics are the most important part. I want the song to move me when I write it: to make me feel something real. If it affects me, then I hope it’ll affect others too. That’s what matters most to me.
And is it hard for you to write?
Sometimes, yeah. It can be challenging when you’re trying to dig into emotions you’d normally suppress or avoid in daily life; and then make them public. It’s a strange, unique experience as a songwriter. But I enjoy it too, because it’s satisfying. There’s a part of me in every song, and it’s beautiful when listeners bring their own experiences to it and make it theirs.
Are you writing together?
I usually write the lyrics and melodies on my own, but once we get together, everyone adds their own touch. We make sure it feels like something we all believe in. We’ve been a band for a long time, and there aren’t many bands left where everyone’s truly part of the process. We’re good friends, and we all want to make the best music we can.
How does a Spacey Jane song usually start? With a riff, a lyric, a feeling?
It changes. Sometimes it’s a riff, but often it starts with lyrics or even just a melody in my head. I’m always writing little ideas down — lines, thoughts — and later I find melodies that fit. Then I might send it to Ashton, who adds some guitar parts, and then everyone else jumps in. Before recording, we always play the songs live together to really feel them. It’s not essential, but it helps us connect.
Do the lyrics come after the music?
Sometimes, yeah. I usually have the chorus lyrics early on because they give the song its identity. For me, a song needs some lyrics first — they define what it is. But I definitely add and change things later.
If you had to describe Spacey Jane to someone who’s never heard you before, what would you say? Or what feeling would you want them to have?
It’s a mix — a weird dichotomy. On one hand, it’s euphoric and fun; at shows, people dance and have a good time. It’s music for summer drives with the windows down. But if you dive into the lyrics, it’s actually pretty sad. So yeah, if you listen too hard, you might get sad — but if you don’t, you’ll have a great time.
Tell me about the album. The name is If That makes Sense, what was the process like?
We wrote and recorded the whole album in Los Angeles. Moving there was a conscious decision — we wanted a change, to be surrounded by great songwriters and producers. It was refreshing but also difficult, being far from home. I lived there for two years; the rest of the band came and went, but now I’m mostly back in Australia. Still, being in a new country with no familiar places or people really influenced the album. There’s a sense of insecurity and searching for identity. It’s a record full of reflection and soul-searching.
How did the idea of making a new album start? Did you feel pressure after the last one?
We’re lucky — we have a great team and we love making music. As soon as touring ends, we’re ready to write again. It’s not like, “Let’s start the next album now,” but more like, “Let’s just create.” We don’t feel external pressure, but we do push ourselves. I think that’s sort of the motivation that comes from within.
Still, you have to live life to have something to write about. You can’t just tour and write non-stop — otherwise, you stop being a good creator.
Was there a specific song that became a turning point for the album — one that set the tone or direction?
There are two songs that really shaped it. Whateverrr opened the door for us to explore a more minimalist, synth-driven, pop sound.
And Through My Teeth feels like that pure indie energy we’ve always loved — staying true to our roots. Both songs helped define what the album would be. Whateverrr was tough to get right; it started out as just synths, and it took a while before we felt it represented all of us. But that’s part of being four people with different ideas — you find the balance. Luckily, we agree most of the time!
We have to talk about the cover — it’s blurry, mysterious, and somehow soft. How did you imagine it?
I love it. The photographer, Cole, is amazing. We wanted to be on the cover but didn’t want it to be too direct or posed. Group photos are hard — someone always hates how they look! So this image takes the pressure off. It could be anyone, but it’s clearly us — moving through space together. That’s the idea.
If you had to describe the album in three words?
Maybe… sadly looking backwards. Or inwards. One of the two.
What’s your favorite song on the album?
Probably Whateverrr and All the Noise.
If your music were an ice cream flavor, what would it be?
Pistachio — just because I like it. Or maybe something from Jenny’s Ice Cream in LA. They have this “Gooey Butter Cake” flavor — super American, but delicious.
What song are you listening to the most right now?
Honestly, I’ve been listening to more podcasts lately — I needed a break from music. But probably Hey You by the Ballet Lippons, a band from Melbourne. They’re good friends and toured with us in the U.S. before we came here.
If you could design your own festival lineup, who would you put next to you?
I’d go with Ballet Lippons, of course. Then Wilco, Arctic Monkeys, and since we’re in France: Phoenix. I’ve never seen them live! And maybe Phoebe Bridgers too.
Check out Spacey Jane brand new album here !
